Lackluster but effective: Belgium beats Panama

Dries Mertens (47th minute) and Romelu Lukaku (69th/75th) made the decision after the break in front of 43.257 spectators in Sochi. Previously, Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Co. had found it surprisingly difficult. Panama, coached by Colombian Hernan Dario Gomez, sold themselves dearly on their debut in Group G for at least an hour and now have to survive against Tunisia and England.

Mertens breaks the spell with a wonderful goal Driven by former Bundesliga professional Kevin De Bruyne, coach Roberto Martinez's Belgians had good early chances through Yannick Carrasco (6th), Mertens (7th/40th) and Hazard (12th/38th), but they were lacking necessary precision. The Red Devils showed weaknesses in the build-up of the game and repeatedly tried, especially on the right side. The best chance for Panama: Murillo fails because of Courtois. © APA/afp / ODD ANDERSEN

Panama almost never posed any real danger in front of the goal, but the strong Belgian attack with De Bruyne (Manchester City), Hazard (Chelsea FC) and Lukaku (Manchester United) also failed to score a goal until the break. That only changed when Mertens hit the far corner with a volley from a tight angle just two minutes after the restart. Panama's only big chance came from Michael Murillo, who was free in front of the goal after a defensive error by Belgium, but was denied by keeper Thibaut Courtois (53').

After a good hour, Belgium noticeably turned up the heat and secured the decision against the Central Americans, who were increasingly overwhelmed in defense. The 25-year-old Lukaku first scored with a header from close range and then followed up with a lob.

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Lackluster but effective: Belgium beats Panama

Belgium wins 3-0 against newcomers Panama in their first game at the World Cup in Russia. Only in the second half did the co-favorites get better going, but their win in Sochi was rather lackluster.

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